Winter weather can make travelling a challenge for all road users. But when it comes to cyclists, there are a number of things drivers can do to make the roads safer and more pleasant for everyone. We’ve put together the following tips to help drivers be cycle aware this winter.
Download this information as a pdf.
Keep ‘em peeled
- Look carefully all around before opening car doors. Cyclists can easily become hidden in your vehicle’s blindspots.
- Be aware of cyclists at road junctions. They can be hard to see from a side view as they turn into or out of junctions, especially in the dark or wet. Be aware that the window pillars can obscure cyclists and pedestrians from view so move your head and look around the pillars to be sure.
- When turning right across a line of slow moving or stationary traffic, look out for cyclists on the inside of the traffic you are crossing. Make sure you check mirrors and blind spots before turning.
- Cyclists may suddenly swerve to avoid potholes, drain covers or other road obstacles. Allow plenty of room when overtaking.
- Strong gusts of wind can blow a cyclist off course so be careful if overtaking a cyclist near gaps in fences, buildings, hedges or other exposed areas where crosswinds may be present.
Get a grip
- Vehicle control may be affected by wet road surfaces. Take care near junctions and bus stops where there is a greater risk of spilt oil and diesel which may cause tyres to lose some grip.
- When driving on snow or ice, drive smoothly and avoid harsh acceleration, braking or steering. At temperatures below 7 degrees celsius consider fitting winter tyres.
- In wet, icy or snowy conditions braking times and distances will be increased. Allow more time and space to stop.
Take the weather with you
- Clear all snow or ice from windows, mirrors and lights and demist the windows. Make sure you can see clearly all around before starting a journey.
- A low winter sun can dazzle a driver and make it difficult to see cyclists. The glare from a wet or icy road can further reduce visibility. Use sunglasses or sun visors to improve vision.
- Rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see cyclists and make it more difficult for them to see you. Allow plenty of room when overtaking.
Be considerate
- Only use front and rear fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced. To avoid dazzling other road users, turn them off when visibility improves or you are not the last in a queue of traffic.
- Remove all snow from the vehicle that might fall off during the journey, into the path of other road users.
- Make allowances for the needs of vulnerable road users and give them the time and space necessary to manoeuvre in adverse weather conditions.
Remember, we all share the road.
